Catherynne M. Valente is a renowned American author, born on May 5, 1979, in Seattle, Washington. She grew up in Northern California and showcased her academic prowess by graduating from high school at the young age of 15. Valente pursued higher education at UC San Diego and Edinburgh University, majoring in Classics with a focus on Ancient Greek Linguistics.

Her literary journey includes over forty books of fantasy and science fiction, making her a significant figure in speculative fiction. She is most celebrated for her works such as Space Opera, The Refrigerator Monologues, Palimpsest, Deathless, Radiance, and the popular Fairyland series.

Valente's writing has garnered numerous accolades, including the James Tiptree, Jr. Award, Andre Norton Award, and the Mythopoeic Award. She has been a finalist for esteemed awards like the Nebula and World Fantasy Awards and has been honored with the Locus Award, Lambda Literary Award, and the Prix Imaginales, among others.

Her short fiction and essays have appeared in prominent publications such as Clarkesworld Magazine, Tor.com, and Uncanny Magazine. Notably, her series The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making made history by being the first self-published work to win the Andre Norton Award before its print release in 2011.

Currently residing on an island off the coast of Maine, Valente shares her life with her partner, a menagerie of pets, and a room full of creative projects. Her contributions to literature continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.